Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites

Name: Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons peanut butter; 3 tablespoons maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup quick oats, gluten free if needed; 1/4 cup flax meal; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon espresso powder; 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk

by Danae · Published: Mar 2, 2020

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Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites are the perfect way to fuel your next workout! Gluten free, vegan and a touch of caffeine thanks to the added espresso powder.

This recipe and photos have been updated since the original post on 6/4/2014

I love making homemade energy bites. Not only are they less expensive than most energy bars at the grocery store, but you can control the ingredients that go into them. I have a pretty sensitive stomach, so I like to keep my pre-run snack gluten and dairy free to avoid an upset stomach while I’m out.

If you’ve never made energy bites these Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites are great ones to start with. You only need one bowl, a rubber spatula and a handful of ingredients that you may already have.

What Do I Need to Make the Energy Bites?

Quick oats, gluten free if needed
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Flax meal
Espresso powder or very finely ground coffee
Peanut butter
Maple syrup or honey
Vanilla extract
Almond milk or substitute with water

Do I Need a High Speed Blender or Food Processor to Make These?

Nope. Like I mentioned above these are great to make if you’re new to energy bites. You don’t have a high speed blender or food processor, just a mixing bowl and rubber spatula. I have several energy bites that do require either a blender or food processor because you’re using it to finely grind nuts. These Cranberry Vanilla Energy Bites are my favorite!

These energy bites are a great balance of carbs and protein making them ideal for a pre or post workout snack. Keep in mind that these are not a meal replacement, but rather something quick and easy you can grab and eat and supplement later with a complete meal.

If you’re like me and workout early in the morning, eating a big meal before starting your workout may not work. Not only do I not have time to make a full meal, but my stomach wouldn’t be able to handle that right before going out for a run. I usually grab two or three of these bites and I’m good to go.

How to Make the Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites

Making these energy bites is so simple. Start by stirring together the peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla. If your peanut butter isn’t getting smooth, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds until it’s runny. My preference is to use natural peanut butter, but the sweetened kind should work as well.

Once the peanut butter mixture is smooth add in the oats, flax, espresso powder and cocoa powder. If your cocoa powder is lumpy you’ll want to sift it in so you don’t bite into a chunk of unsweetened cocoa powder, gross. If the mixture is too dry and not combining to the point where you can form it into balls, add in a tablespoon of almond milk or water.

Once the dough is made, use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to divide the mixture evenly. Roll the dough between the palms of your hands into balls and place them in an airtight container. The energy bites a best stored in the refrigerator and will last about a week. You can also freeze them for several months.

Can I Skip the Espresso Powder?

Yes. If you don’t do caffeine or are making these for kids you can absolutely skip the espresso powder. If by chance you don’t have espresso powder on hand you can substitute it with instant coffee or very finely ground coffee.

These Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites are not only great for fueling your next workout, but are great for an afternoon snack or after dinner treat.

More Energy Bites

Cinnamon Apple Energy Bites

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Energy Bites

Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites

Yield: 16-18 Energy Bites